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The Connected Factory Podcast
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AI and Computer Vision in Manufacturing

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In this episode, Alex talks with Heiko, co-founder of Anticipate, about how AI and computer vision transform quality inspection in manufacturing. They explore the shift from rule-based to deep learning, the challenge of integrating with legacy machines, and why starting small with pilots builds momentum for scalable, real shop-floor impact.

- Anticipate’s origin story from RWTH Aachen and the Digital Capability Center.
- The evolution of computer vision from traditional image processing to deep learning.
- How AI improves resilience and adaptability in quality inspection.
- The integration hurdles with legacy machines and protocols.
- Why ease of use is key for automation engineers and SMEs.
- The risks of overestimating DIY in-house AI projects.
- The gap between AI hype at C-level and real shop-floor needs.
- Practical advice for engineers: start small, use open-source tools, and show ROI quickly.
- How computer vision fits into the bigger IT/OT and AI landscape.
Heiko Wirtz
Co-Founder & CTO
ANTICIPATE
Alexander Krüger
Co-founder and CEO - UMH

Swedish OEM supplier reduces costs with resource and energy monitoring

Company Snapshot

Europe’s leading provider of innovative heating and charging solutions for the automotive industry. With over 100 employees, the company operates from its headquarters in Sweden.

Challenges

  • Small project team with limited resources
  • No live feedback from the shop floor
  • Heterogeneous machine park

Outcome

5%

Saved energy costs

90%

Reduced downtime due to lack of resources

20%

Reduced unplanned maintenance

Sonnländer increased asset productivity with OEE monitoring

Company Snapshot

Sonnländer, a subsidiary of EDEKA, is a leading producer of fruit juices and fruit-based products in Europe. With over 400 employees and 4 production facilities, it processes over 400,000 tons of fruit annually.

Challenges

  • Heterogeneous machine park
  • No live feedback from the shop floor
  • Internal resources need to focus on use cases, not infrastructure

Outcome

10-15%

Increased OEE

10-20%

Increased asset availability

>40%

Shorter root-cause problem solving

European energy producer increases implementation speed with Unified Namespace architecture

Company Snapshot

A major European energy company with a focus on renewable energy and innovative energy solutions. Employing over 75,000 people, it operates in multiple countries.

Challenges

  • Unstable internet connections
  • Limited throughput rate of OT systems
  • High reliability demands

Outcome

80%

Reduced integration time per use-case

60%

Reduced Mean Time To Detect (MTTD)

90%

Reduced integration maintenance

European energy producer increases implementation speed with Unified Namespace architecture

Company Snapshot

A major European energy company with a focus on renewable energy and innovative energy solutions. Employing over 75,000 people, it operates in multiple countries.

Challenges

  • Heterogeneous machine park
  • No live feedback from the shop floor
  • Internal resources need to focus on use cases, not infrastructure

Outcome

80%

Reduced integration time per use-case

60%

Reduced Mean Time To Detect (MTTD)

90%

Reduced integration maintenance

Previous Episodes

Building your In-house IIoT platform - Tactical Learnings

Kasper Karlsson Christiansen, Senior Platform Owner at VELUX, joins Alex to discuss his journey from electrician to building industrial IoT platform.
Listen here

Data Contracts and Unified Namespace in Manufacturing

Jeremy sits down with David Schultz from Rhize Manufacturing Data Hub to discuss the role of data contracts and the Unified Namespace (UNS) in modern manufacturing.
Listen here

Digitizing Pharma with Unified Namespace (UNS)

In this first episode of The Connected Factory podcast, Alex sits down with Jan Wokittel from Roche to explore the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry.
Listen here

Interested in the possibilities?See UMH in action!

Schedule a demo
United Manufacturing Hub

Interested in the possibilities?
See UMH in action!

Schedule a demo